Are Dental Implants Right for Me? 3 Qualities of a Good Candidate

Dental implants are considered by many to be the best of the best when it comes to tooth restoration techniques. They provide unique benefits over other options like dentures or dental bridges. They’re the only method that includes a support rod that’s inserted directly into your jaw. Eventually, the bone fuses with it so it functions like a root. That means it looks and functions more like a natural tooth.

That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for everyone, though. This treatment involves a surgical procedure and other considerations so it’s important for your dentist to first identify whether it’s feasible for you. Keep reading to learn about 3 of the characteristics of a good dental implant candidate.

Characteristic #1: Healthy Gums

Typically, dental implants have between an 85-95% success rate, but it’s still possible for them to fail. One risk factor is whether you have gum disease. Bacteria can penetrate below your gumline and cause disease which makes your mouth unsuitable for this procedure. Developing an infection at the surgical site could impact your new false tooth in addition to your overall well-being.

That doesn’t mean that you can never have dental implants if you have gingivitis, though. Your dentist can help you clear it up so that they can be safely inserted.

Characteristic #2: Sufficient Support

Did you know that your body reabsorbs bone mass from your jaw when you go through tooth loss? It believes the support is no longer necessary, so it repurposes it elsewhere. Your jawbone begins to deteriorate as a result and can become weak enough that it’s not possible to support dental implants.

If your dentist has informed you that your jaw doesn’t have adequate strength, don’t lose hope! In some instances, they can perform a bone graft to bulk it up so that you can continue with the restoration.

Characteristic #3: Clean Medical History

Patients who have existing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart issues might not be the best fit for dental implants. Some diseases or their associated prescription medications could hinder your recovery after surgery. Not only that but if you’ve recently experienced an incident like a heart attack or stroke, you will have to postpone your surgery to another time to avoid putting your well-being at risk.

If you have questions about whether this is the right treatment for you, feel free to ask your dentist. They’ll be able to answer your questions with consideration for your current oral health. If there are areas of concern they need to address first, they’ll be sure to let you know. Dental implants can last a lifetime, so it’s important to first verify that they’re a good fit for you!

About the Practice

At Marble Dental McKinney, two dentists share a simple philosophy of building long-lasting relationships by providing exceptional oral healthcare services. They provide a full range of dental services to people of all ages, including dental implants, so that no matter the condition of your teeth, they can help. They perform each step in the process on-site to avoid outside referrals and extra visits, for your convenience. Their compassionate team is happy to assist you in scheduling your consultation appointment. Feel free to contact the office on the website or by calling (214) 592-0441.